Hull FC intensify search for overseas talent with two quota spots to fill

Hull FC are hoping to strengthen their current squad with imminent overseas signings. The Black and Whites have two quota spots remaining after the departures of Tex Hoy and Fa'amanu Brown and intend to use them ahead of the second half of the Super League season.

The club had all intentions of filling those quota spots back in April, identifying and speaking to the likes of Hayze Perham, but instead waited to get their new head coach in place. And now that John Cartwright is set to take over in autumn 2024, they are more confident about tapping into the Australian market.

It's understood that Cartwright will have a strong say in Hull's overseas decisions, using his knowledge and experience gained over a 25-year coaching career. The Australian will work in tandem with club Director of Rugby, Richie Myler, to bring in new players, with the club in talks now with representatives from overseas.

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The club are looking at the hooker position as a primary target for 2025 and have drawn up a list of candidates, but have not ruled out strengthening their squad across the board as they look to create a more competitive environment. They are recruiting on two strands, this year and next year, but the view is to get players in now, particularly those who can play on an edge, who will in turn stay on next year, to strengthen their current side under Simon Grix.

The Black and Whites are currently on an 11-game losing run and are desperate for a victory to lift the mood around the whole club, with the hope that one or two new additions can do exactly that ahead of their MKM Stadium return against Leeds Rhinos later this month.

Hull have a week off now before hosting the Rhinos, with Myler now hard at work to finalise deals for overseas talent. It's understood that the club have talked to Treigh Stewart, who currently plays for Brisbane Tigers in the Queensland Cup.

Stewart is a Papua New Guinea full-back who lined up against the Australian Prime Minister's XIII in 2023. He is 23-years old and has also spent time playing for St George Illawarra Dragons' New South Wales Cup side.

Hull have also made contact with other players at various NRL clubs, with such talks with overseas talent now intensifying in the near future. The club have already signed John Asiata for the 2025 season, with more players now to follow after what has been a flurry of domestic movement, including the signings of Tom Briscoe and Yusuf Aydin and, for next year, Jordan Abdull, Amir Bourouh, Zak Hardaker, and Oliver Holmes.

As it stands, Hull have five quota spots filled for 2025, with Asiata joined by Herman Ese'ese, Jayden Okunbor, Franklin Pele, and Ligi Sao. Carlos Tuimavave is out of contract at the end of the season.

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